Table of Contents
Introduction
If you’re visiting Dubai, a desert safari is probably already on your list. There are too many options online, while prices are all over the place, and every tour claims to be the best. It’s easy to feel unsure about what you’re actually getting.
The truth is, the best desert safari in Dubai isn’t about picking the cheapest deal. Rather, it’s about feeling safe, being comfortable, and enjoying the desert without stress. That matters even more if you’re traveling with family, kids, or older relatives.
In this guide, what’s included, what to skip, and how to choose a safari that fits your plans. Whether you want a fun ride over the dunes, a relaxed evening with food and shows, or a quiet night under the stars, this will help you make the right choice without overthinking it.
Why a Dubai Desert Safari for Families Is Perfect
The best desert safari in Dubai offers some incredible things to you. If you’re travelling with kids or older relatives, our drivers can easily swap the intense dune bashing for a smoother, scenic drive so everyone stays comfortable.
Once you arrive at the camp, there are sensational activities to keep everyone busy, from sandboarding and camel rides for the little ones to relaxing with traditional coffee for the adults.
The evening ends with a huge BBQ buffet that even picky eaters will enjoy, plus live shows under the stars. It’s a stress-free way to get the whole family together for a night you’ll actually remember.
Key Components of a Desert Safari
To get the most out of the best desert safari Dubai has to offer, you need to know what you’re actually getting for your money. Here is a quick breakdown of what makes up a standard tour:
Dune Bashing: This is the main event in this desert safari, where an expert driver takes you on a 4×4 ride over the high red dunes for about 20 to 30 minutes nonstop.
Sandboarding: It’s like pushing, but on sand. It’s easy to pick up, and most people find it’s the highlight of the trip for the kids.
Camel Rides: Every trip to the desert is incomplete without a short ride on a “ship of the desert” for those classic photos.
Sunset Photo Ops: We time the trip so you’re out on the dunes right as the sun starts to drop, which is the best time for pictures.
Traditional Camp: After the ride, you’ll head to a Bedouin-style camp where you can relax with Arabic coffee, dates, and henna painting.
BBQ Buffet Dinner: A big spread with grilled meats (kebabs and chicken), fresh salads, and plenty of vegetarian options.
Live Entertainment: While you eat, you’ll watch professional fire shows and traditional Tanoura dancers.
Dubai Desert Safari Comparison (2026)
| Safari Type | Duration | Main Experience | What’s Included | Best For | Price Range (AED) |
| Morning Desert Safari | 3–4 hours | Quiet dunes, fresh air, light adventure | 4×4 pickup, dune bashing, sandboarding, camel ride, | Families with kids, early risers, photographers | 150–250 |
| Evening Desert Safari | 6–7 hours | Sunset, BBQ dinner, live shows | 4×4 pickup, dune bashing, camel ride, sandboarding, BBQ buffet, fire & dance shows | First-time visitors, couples, tourists | 200–350 |
| Adventure Safari (Quad / Buggy) | 4–6 hours | Self-drive thrill in the open desert | 4×4 transfer, quad bike or buggy ride, safety gear, basic safari activities | Adventure lovers, friends, thrill seekers | 350–800 |
| Private / VIP Desert Safari | 6–7 hours | Comfort, privacy, premium service | Private 4×4, flexible dune drive, VIP seating, waiter-served dinner | Families, couples, special occasions | 600–1,200 |
| Overnight Desert Safari | 16–18 hours | Night stay, stars, sunrise | Evening safari, tent stay, bedding, campfire, breakfast | Nature lovers, stargazers, slow travel fans | 450–75 |
Adventure Activities at the Dubai Desert Safari
In case you’re looking for the best desert safari Dubai experience, you’re likely here for the enjoyment. Here is a quick look at the adventure activities you can jump into:
Dune Bashing: Ride through the dunes in a 4×4 with an experienced driver. It’s fast, bumpy, and usually the highlight of the trip.
Quad Biking & Buggies: Take control and drive across the sand by yourself. It is a great experience if you enjoy speed and open space.
Sandboarding: Grab a board, head to the top of a high dune, and slide down. It’s easy to learn, and even if you fall, the soft sand makes for a safe landing.
Camel Trekking: It gives you a great view of the horizon and is the perfect way to see the desert the traditional way.
Falconry: Many tours let you get up close with these amazing birds of prey. You can watch them hunt and even take a photo with one on your arm.
Is a Desert Safari Safe for Kids and Seniors?
A common question for families is whether the desert is too rough for children or older relatives. The answer is YES, it is perfectly safe, provided you book with a professional team like Desert Leap Safari.
Whereas dune bashing is optional. If you’re travelling with small children or older family members, the ride can be kept smooth and relaxed instead of fast and bumpy. You still get to enjoy the desert views, photos, and the camp experience without any discomfort.
Also, the vehicles are built for the desert and come with seat belts and safety protection, and the drivers are trained to focus on comfort, not speed
Age-Wise Safety Tips
To make sure everyone has a great time, here are a few simple tips based on age:
- Infants & Toddlers (Under 3): Skip the dune bashing entirely. Opt for a private vehicle or a direct-to-camp transfer so they can enjoy the sand play and camels without the bumpy ride.
- Children (Ages 4–12): Ensure they are buckled up at all times. Keep them hydrated and apply plenty of sunscreen, as they’ll likely spend a lot of time sandboarding.
- Seniors: We recommend sitting in the front or middle seats of the 4×4 for the smoothest ride. If they have back or heart concerns, it’s best to skip the dunes and head straight to the camp for dinner and shows.
Who Should Avoid a Desert Safari?
Look, we want you to have an amazing time, but your comfort comes first. While a desert safari is generally safe, the bumpy ride over the dunes isn’t the best fit for everyone. Here is a quick list of who should think twice or skip the off-road part:
Pregnant Women: The sudden movements and bumps during dune bashing can be risky, so it’s best to stay on the flat roads.
People with Back or Neck Issues: If you have chronic pain or a recent injury, the jerking of the 4×4 can make it worse
Heart Conditions: The high-adrenaline part of the drive can be a bit much for those with heart issues or high blood pressure.
Very Young Infants: Bouncing around in a 4×4 isn’t great for babies, so they should head straight to the camp instead.
Severe Motion Sickness: If you get car sick easily, the “rollercoaster” effect of the dunes might ruin your evening.
The good news? You don’t have to miss out! You can always skip the dune bashing and take a direct, smooth car to the desert camp to enjoy the food and the shows.
Best Time to Go for a Dubai Desert Safari
When you’re picking the best desert safari in Dubai, it really comes down to your personal schedule. Most people prefer the Evening Safari because the temperatures drop as the sun goes down, and you get that famous sunset view followed by a full dinner and live shows. It’s a complete night out.
However, if you’re an early bird, a Morning Safari is great because the air is fresh and the desert is much quieter. You’ll be back at your hotel by lunchtime, leaving your whole afternoon free for shopping or the beach.
If you’re visiting in the hotter months, the morning is definitely more comfortable for the high-energy stuff like dune bashing and quad biking.
Ideal Months to Visit Desert Safari
The best time of year to hit the dunes is between October and March. This is the peak season for a reason, then the weather is perfect, usually sitting between 20°C and 30°C. You can spend hours outside without breaking a sweat, and the evenings are cool enough that you might even want a light jacket.
If you don’t mind a bit of heat and want to avoid the crowds, the “shoulder months” of April, May, and September are also good options.
Just keep in mind that June, July, and August are extremely hot, so if you’re visiting then, we always recommend sticking to an early morning trip to beat the midday sun.
Desert Safari Dubai Tips for First-Time Visitors
If you’re heading out for your first Dubai desert safari, a little bit of prep goes a long way. This isn’t your average car ride, and the desert can be unpredictable, so here is the lowdown on how to handle it like a pro.
What to Wear & Bring
Stick to light, loose clothes like cotton shirts and breathable pants. Long pants are better for sandboarding so your legs don’t get burned by the hot sand.
Wear sneakers or sandals with straps; flip-flops just sink in the dunes and can get lost.
Evenings can get chilly, so bring a light jacket or hoodie for when the sun goes down.
Pro Tip: Even if it’s 30°C during the day, desert temperatures drop fast once the sun goes down. According to local climate data, the desert can be about 7°C cooler than the city at night, so bring a light jacket or hoodie for the camp.
Food & Timing
Evening safaris usually start around 3 PM. Don’t eat a heavy meal before you go—dune bashing can be bumpy.
The BBQ dinner at the camp is big and tasty, with plenty of options. If you have allergies or special diets, tell the tour operator when you book.
Capturing the Moment
Sunset is the best time for taking photos because at that time the dunes turn a golden colour that looks amazing.
So, keep your camera or phone zipped up when not using it. The sand is fine and gets into everything.
The 5 Real Desert Safaris You Can Book
When you’re looking for the best desert safari Dubai has to offer, you’ll find a few main types of trips. Depending on whether you want a morning workout, a late-night party, or a quiet night under the stars, there’s a package for you.
1. The Morning Safari (The Quick Hit)
This is the perfect time period if you want to see the dunes but don’t want to spend your whole day doing it. You’ll be back in the city by lunchtime, so you can still hit the beach or a mall in the afternoon. It’s usually much cooler than the afternoon, making the activities a bit more comfortable.
- What’s included: Hotel pickup in a 4×4, 20–30 minutes of dune bashing, sandboarding, a short camel ride, and cold water/soft drinks.
- Best for: People with busy schedules, families with young kids who have early bedtimes, and photography fans who want that clean morning light.
2. The Evening Safari (The All-Rounder)
This is the most popular choice for a reason. It’s a 6-hour experience that starts in the afternoon and goes through dinner. You get the thrill of the dunes plus the full “Arabian Nights” vibe at a desert camp.
- What’s included: Everything in the morning safari plus a sunset photo stop, a full BBQ buffet dinner (veg and non-veg), henna painting, and live shows like belly dancing and fire performers.
- Best for: First-timers and tourists who want the “complete” Dubai desert experience.
3. The Adventure Safari (The Thrill-Seeker)
If sitting in a passenger seat isn’t enough for you, this version adds self-driving vehicles. You get to take control of a quad bike or a dune buggy and tear through a fenced-off area or the open desert yourself.
- What’s included: Standard evening safari inclusions plus 30 to 60 minutes of quad biking or dune buggy riding.
- Best for: Adrenaline junkies and groups of friends looking for some serious fun.
4. The Private/VIP Safari (The Luxury Pick)
If you don’t like the idea of sharing a car with strangers or waiting in lines at the buffet, go for the VIP or Private option. You get your own 4×4 and, at the camp, you usually get a reserved table with waiter service, so you don’t have to stand in the dinner queue.
- What’s included: A private vehicle for just your group, premium seating at the camp, and sometimes an upgraded food menu.
- Best for: Couples on a romantic trip, families who want their own space, or anyone celebrating a special occasion.
5. The Overnight Safari (The Deep Dive)
For those who really want to escape the city, this allows you to stay in the desert after everyone else goes home. Once the camp lights go down, it’s just you and the stars. You’ll sleep in a traditional tent and wake up to a fresh breakfast in the dunes.
- What’s included: All the evening safari activities, plus sleeping gear (tents, mattresses, blankets), a campfire, and breakfast the next morning.
Best for: Nature lovers, stargazers, and people who want to see the desert at its quietest.
It’s generally safe, but it is a bumpy ride. If you’re pregnant, have back problems, or get motion sickness easily, we recommend skipping the dunes and taking a direct car to the camp instead.
There’s no official age limit, but we don’t recommend dune bashing for infants under 3. They can still join the safari, but we’ll take them straight to the camp via a flat road.
You’ll get a full BBQ buffet with grilled meats, salads, and plenty of vegetarian and vegan options. If you have a specific allergy, just let us know when you book.
No, you don’t need a driving license to ride a quad bike or buggy in our designated desert areas.
The standard ride included in most packages is a short loop (about 5 minutes) for photos. If you want a longer desert trek, you can usually upgrade on the spot.
Definitely! There are no extra fees for taking photos. Just bring a small bag to keep your gear safe from the fine desert sand.
You’ll usually have a signal on the way, but it can be spotty once you’re deep in the dunes or at the camp. It’s a good excuse to put the phone away and enjoy the view!
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to trade the city skyline for the red dunes, booking with Desert Leap Safari is as easy as sending a quick message. We don’t do complicated forms or hidden fees, just straightforward, honest pricing and a team that’s ready to pick you up from your door.
Whether you want to roar through the sand on a quad bike or relax with a sunset BBQ, we’ve got a spot in the 4×4 waiting for you.
How to get started:
- WhatsApp us: It’s the fastest way to check availability for today or tomorrow.
- Pick your package: Tell us if you want the Morning, Evening, or VIP experience.
- Confirm & Go: We’ll send you the driver’s details and pickup time instantly.
Click here to WhatsApp us now or give us a call at +971 50 198 3380. Let’s get you out into the desert!